Hormonal Imbalance: Treatment, Procedure, Cost and Side Effects

Similar to menopause in women which pertains to hormonal imbalances; men experience andropause that is characterized by irregularities in the hormonal levels. Several bodily functions are managed by hormones that can be described as chemical compounds. Some hormones that regulate the body functions in the male population are estrogen, insulin, cortisol, testosterone, and thyroid-related hormones. A hormonal imbalance in men is a part of the aging process.

Research studies indicate that there is a fall of nearly one percent in a male’s hormonal levels every year after they cross the age of 30 years. In men, different hormones control the physical male attributes such as sex organs, facial hair, and the testes. Also, the chemicals are responsible for the release of sperm in the testes and have a bearing on the man’s sexual libido. Male hormones are, also, known for restoring bone health, uplifting the mood, and boosting mental agility.

In short, where the overall health of the males is concerned, hormones play a major role. As a male, if you are suffering from hormonal imbalance, the possibility of ailing from weight gain, tiredness mood imbalances, hot flashes, and hair loss remains high. However, you can control the hormonal imbalance by making some changes to your diet and lifestyle. Natural cures are favored by a significant percentage of the population because they do not give birth to ill-effects, are inexpensive treatment methods, and serve as effective cures. Some home remedies for hormone-linked imbalances in men are studied in the following details.

1. Body Exertion: It is imperative for you to take measures to lose weight when ailing from hormonal imbalance because the fat quantity in your body affects the testosterone levels. The higher the amount of fat, greater is the drop in the testosterone levels. This is because fats have a role to play in the conversion of testosterone to estrogen. For this reason, you are advised to follow a regular exercise regime as part of your fat loss efforts. Additionally, you can benefit via exercises because they help to enhance the mood and improves sleep patterns.
2. Calcium Intake: The intake of calcium-rich foods is recommended if a male suffers from hormonal imbalance. This helps reduce the susceptibility of suffering from bone-linked diseases. Males should note that as a result of low testosterone levels, your bones could become weak; and calcium is needed for their strengthening. Therefore, they can benefit by adding calcium sources to their diet. Cheese, the dark green-colored variety of vegetables, milk, broccoli, almonds, kale, and soybeans can help to keep the body nourished with calcium.
3. Body Detoxification: As a part of their hormonal imbalance recovery measures, males should, also, consider detoxifying the body to get rid of the inner toxic waste. This, in turn, improves the body’s ability to counter disorders and improves the overall well-being. Some foods that are recommended for detoxifying the body include the cruciferous vegetables such as kale, cabbages, collards, and broccoli. Also, other foods such as apple, ginger, milk thistle herb, banana, pomegranate, rosemary, grapes, avocado, cherries, and oranges can be added to the dietary regime for their detoxification benefits. Moreover, there are several detoxification courses that are deemed effective and you can ask your nutritionist for more details on the same.

On a concluding note, you must know that stress-relieving techniques are worth practicing for bringing about a healthy balance between the hormonal levels. Meditation techniques, deep breathing, and yoga poses are ideal for reducing stress in the body and men with hormonal imbalance sure should consider practicing these methods.

Thinning hair, noticeable bald spots, large clumps of hair in the hairbrush or shower drain are indications of hair loss. This loss of hair is an effect of hormonal imbalance.

Have You Seen these Signs of Hair Loss?

• A widening part of the scalp
• A ponytail becomes noticeably thinner
• Large clumps of hair in the hairbrush or shower drain and on your pillow after a night’s sleep

Why does it happen?

1. Play of Hormones: Hormonal imbalance is seen in women during menopause, perimenopause, pregnancy, and in endocrine disorders, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Progesterone and estrogen are two important female hormones. Progesterone keeps a check on estrogen levels. When progesterone levels are too low, it leads to a state of hyperestrogenism which triggers excessive hair shedding and hair loss. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a potent form of testosterone that normally leads to hair loss. Women, who produce high levels of male hormones (androgens), have increased testosterone levels which can convert to DHT, leading to hair loss.
2. Stress: When a woman experiences any stressful condition, her adrenal glands increase the release of cortisol (stress hormone). This leads to secretion of adrenaline which leads to increased levels of testosterone and DHT.
3. Under or over performing thyroid: An overactive thyroid and lack of sufficient parathyroid hormone can also result in thinning of hair. Accompanying symptoms are fatigue, unexplained weight gain, aching joints, constipation, dry skin, feeling cold all the time, and poor sleep.
4. Pregnancy and childbirth: Pregnancy and childbirth change a woman’s hormonal balance and can result in hair loss. Therefore, it is normal for postpartum mothers to experience thinning of the hair and even bald patches. Such hair loss is temporary and heals itself within several months.
5. Menopause: Menopause also leads to hair loss. During menopause, a woman’s estrogen levels fall and are no longer in balance with DHT levels. This low estrogen level and high DHT lead to hair loss.
6. Nutrient deficiencies: Low levels of certain nutrients within the body, for example, vitamins A, E, and iron may result in hair loss.

How Can You Help Yourself? 

1. Consume omega 3-fatty acids: Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are kinds of essential fatty acids (EFAs). They increase hair growth. Sources are walnuts, flax seeds, cold-water fish, such as salmon, sardines, herring, and mackerel.
2. Get plenty of sleep: Lack of sleep causes increased stress levels, higher production of cortisol, and ultimately hair loss. Good amount of sleep will lead to harmonious functioning of the body.
3. Take dietary and hair supplements to prevent hair loss: Certain supplements can help minimize the production of DHT, prevent DHT from binding to hair follicles, or stimulate inactive follicles to encourage hair growth.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Hormones are vital for the human body. They are basically chemicals released into the bloodstream and travel from one cell to another. They travel through the blood and assist organs in performing numerous functions of the human body. Hormones are responsible for a wide range of activities like growth, puberty, facial hair, stress, mood, reproduction, sleep, reproduction and many more. They are also found in other organisms like plants and animals.

Hormones are secreted by endocrine glands. The endocrine glands include pituitary, adrenal and thyroid glands. The study of the endocrine system and hormones is known as endocrinology. Also, some major diseases are caused by hormone imbalance in the human body. The functions or activities of the body affected by hormone secretion are:

• Growth and development
• Metabolism
• Mood
• Sexual functions like menstruation, fertility, reproduction.
• Blood Sugar level

Some vital hormones affecting human health:

• Estrogen: Also known as the female hormone and responsible for a lot of functions and activities associated with a female body. They are secreted by ovaries and are primarily responsible for reproduction, menopause, puberty, moods and even sleep. High level of estrogen production is rare and mostly occurs because of oral contraceptives. Low level of estrogen is more common among girls and women alike. However, the most common disease experienced by females is PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). Imbalance of hormones will mostly lead to hair loss, acne, depression and even osteoporosis. You can start by taking supplements like vitamin B complex and magnesium or sometimes even undergo hormonal treatment.
• Testosterone: It is the male sex hormone. However, they are present in low quantities in females too. The testosterone is responsible for muscle growth and developmental functions. They also control puberty in males, facial hair, libido, erectile functions and formation of sperm. Imbalance can lead to depression, mood swings, insomnia, erectile dysfunction and also acne and hair loss. Excessive secretion of testosterone in females leads to increased hair growth and deepening of the voice. Moreover, regular drinking and smoking may lead to decrease production of testosterone among males.
• Cortisol: It is one of the many hormones secreted by the adrenal glands. They are responsible for physical, stress regulation, maintenance of the immune system and inflammation, etc. High level of cortisol can lead to stomach ulcers, high blood pressure, fatigue, anxiety and depression. Low level of cortisol may lead to chronic fatigue syndrome and even alcoholism.
• Insulin: It is one of the most important hormones in the human body and is produced by the pancreas. Insulin is responsible for breaking down carbohydrates in the body and maintaining blood sugar level. Its job is to use the sugar (glucose) from carbohydrates and convert it into energy. An imbalance of insulin leads to high blood sugar level (hyperglycemia) or low blood sugar level (hypoglycemia). Such imbalances can lead to diabetes in humans which vary depending on the blood sugar level of the body.
• Growth Hormones: They are secreted by the pituitary glands of the body. The hormones are responsible for growth and development in children and teenagers. They are also responsible for proper functioning of the heart, muscle development, metabolism and many more. Imbalances can lead to stunted growth in children. Consult your doctor for ways to boost growth in your child.

Hormones play a major role in the human body. Their deficiency or imbalance can create serious health issues and disease for humans. So the next time you have difficulty in losing weight or suffering from depression, your hormones are equally responsible along with your genes.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Missing out on your periods or irregular periods once in a while is common. However, the problem arises when irregular periods become every month’s story. The irregularity can be an amalgamation of a host of factors. Ignoring the same for long will only complicate things further. For women of reproductive age, the problem can give rise to deleterious consequences, including difficulties in conceiving. In this article, we will discuss some of the common triggers that result in irregular periods and when to seek medical help.

What causes Irregular Periods?
The hormonal balance plays a significant role in the proper functioning of the vital organs of the body. More than often, irregular periods are found to be a manifestation of hormonal imbalance. Some of the conditions that trigger the hormonal imbalance include

• PCO is a common medical condition that affects women of reproductive age. PCOS is characterized by the formation of cysts in the ovary (one or both) that affects the ovulation process. In PCOS, there is an increased production of Androgen, especially Testosterone that can cause irregular periods, hair fall, facial hair, weight gain etc.

• Time and again doctors and health professionals emphasize the importance of leading a stress-free life. Research suggests stress and anxiety often interfere with the functioning of the Hypothalamus. As a result, the pituitary glands that control and regulate the activities of the ovaries, adrenal glands, and thyroid glands may be affected. These can also trigger a hormonal imbalance giving rise to menstrual problems such as Irregular periods. In case of extreme stress, there may be a short-term cessation of periods (Secondary Amenorrhea).

• The hormonal imbalance and irregular periods can also be an outcome of other medical conditions such as endometriosis, a cancer affecting the reproductive organs, fibroids, obesity, diabetes, hyperprolactinemia (characterized by elevated level of prolactin) or even thyroid disorders.

• Women who indulge in strict dieting can also suffer from irregular periods. Strict dieting (especially the ones that are without a proper nutritional guidance) can rob the body of the essential nutrients disrupting the hormonal balance.

• Irregular periods are normal in women who are nearing their menopause.

When to seek medical assistance?
Irregular periods can be indicative of a severe health problem. Consult a gynecologist

• If your regular cycles get delayed by more than 7 days.

• There is spotting or bleeding in between the periods.

• Your periods last for more than ten days or less than two days.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

• There is excruciating pain during periods.

• The gap between two successive menstrual cycles is more than 35 days or less than 21 days.

• Your periods are heavy and unmanageable, affecting your daily routine.

Out of the many things a parent can be worried about their child, physical growth and development are the major ones. Height development is indeed a very crucial part of the overall development of a child's body. But how will you know whether your child is short and should you worry if he or she is short?

When is a child categorised as being short?
A child is said to be of short stature when the height is two standard deviations less than the mean height for the specific age and sex. However, it does not signify that your child is sick or has some deformity.

What are the causes of being short?
The most common reasons that need not be worried about are:

1. Ancestry: Your child short height could be a result genetics. If his/her parents belong from a short family stature, then, the child is most likely to follow the same. Being said that, their body performs in a normal way and they do not face any medical issue despite being short.
2. Delay in Growth: In case a child faces a severe growth delay between the age of 6 months and up to 2 years, then it may lead to him/her staying short. Such children usually grow at a much slower pace, compared to other children of the same age without any development issues. However, no medical treatment is required as the child usually catches up with the height of their friends of the same age, once they become adults.

What are the medical Conditions behind the short stature?
For children who show an excessive delay in growth, doctors can find out whether they are going through any serious medical condition that needs attention or not. Some of the medical conditions which can cause short height are:

1. Malnutrition: For those who do not receive proper nutrition on a daily basis, tend to face physical health issues.
2. Chronic Illness: Any congenital disease or something that affects the major organs of one's body might slow down the height growth.
3. GHD: Growth Hormone Deficiency is a common condition in children. When the pituitary gland does not produce enough hormones, such a condition occurs.
4. Mental Stress: When a child faces stress from a very little age, often he or she becomes mentally and physically hampered.
5. Genetic Problems: A condition known as Turner’s syndrome can cause growth failure in a girl child.
6. Hormonal Imbalance: For those who suffer from improper production of hormones, they might face obstruction in case of height growth.
7. Endocrine diseases: Endocrine diseases disrupt hormone production thus resulting in a delay in growth.

For every 100 children of a particular age, 3 tend to be shorter. However, unless your child suffers from a medical problem, short stature is not to be worried, and it is recommended that they have a proper and balanced nutrition to ensure a proper height development. In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!